'Pretty'

4

As the café's lights dimmed, Luka felt a sense of anticipation build between them. The promise of dinner lingered in the air like the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

He knew that their connection was evolving, but he also sensed the cautious approach Loreleigh maintained, as if she was testing the waters before fully diving in.

"Where should we go?" Luka asked, leaning against the counter as Loreleigh finished putting away the last of the pastries.

"Somewhere that isn't too fancy," she replied, a hint of mischief in her voice. "I can't stand those places where you have to dress up just to eat a salad."

"Agreed," Luka laughed. "How about that little bistro by the park? The one with the outdoor seating?"

Loreleigh nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! I love their truffle fries. And their burgers are incredible."

"Perfect. How about tomorrow at seven?" he suggested, his heart racing at the thought of a proper date.

"Tomorrow it is," she said, her smile wide. "I'll see you then."

They stepped outside into the crisp evening air, the sky painted in deep blues and purples as twilight settled in. As they walked toward their cars parked a few blocks away, Luka felt a mix of excitement and nerves.

He wanted to hold her hand, to close the distance between them, but he held back, respecting the boundaries she had carefully set.

"Do you ever think about what it would be like to travel?" Luka asked as they walked. "To just pack up and go somewhere new?"

Loreleigh paused for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "All the time. I've dreamed of visiting Italy—eating real pasta in a little trattoria, wandering through the streets of Florence."

"That sounds amazing," Luka said, genuinely intrigued. "What's stopping you?"

"Life, I guess," she replied with a wistful sigh. "This café is my dream, but sometimes I wonder if I'm missing out on adventures."

"Maybe you're just waiting for the right adventure partner," he suggested lightly, hoping to gauge her reaction.

Her eyes sparkled with amusement, but there was a seriousness beneath her laughter. "Maybe. But it's hard to let someone in, you know? I've built this little world here, and opening it up is scary."

Luka nodded, understanding her hesitation. He had sensed her caution since their first meeting, but he admired her strength in managing her own space. "I get that. But I promise, I'm not here to disrupt your world. I just want to be a part of it."

The sincerity in his voice seemed to resonate with her, and for a brief moment, they stood silently, the weight of unspoken feelings hanging between them.

"Let's see how tomorrow goes," she finally said, a hint of a challenge in her tone.

"Deal," Luka replied, his heart pounding with anticipation.

As they reached their cars, Luka paused, sensing the moment was ripe for something more. He took a step closer, the space between them dwindling. "Loreleigh, I just want you to know that I'm really enjoying getting to know you. I know we're taking it slow, and that's okay, but I'd like to explore this... whatever it is, together."

She looked up at him, her eyes wide, a mix of surprise and something deeper flickering within them. "You mean that?"

"Absolutely. I'm all in if you are."

Loreleigh studied him for a moment, her expression shifting as if she were weighing her options. "Okay," she said slowly, a smile breaking through her initial uncertainty. "I think I'd like that."

With a shared understanding lingering in the air, they exchanged a soft, lingering gaze before stepping back, both of them aware that they were on the cusp of something significant.

"Goodnight, Luka," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Goodnight, Loreleigh," he replied, his heart soaring as he climbed into his car.

As he drove home, he couldn't help but replay the evening in his mind. The light banter, the deep conversations, and the unspoken promise of what was to come filled him with hope.

Tomorrow was bound to be an adventure of its own, and he was ready to take the leap, hand in hand with Loreleigh, wherever it might lead.